Guest Post
Southeast Camper Cabin Fever DOG 2024
WOW!
What a way to start off the new year, Fine Food, Friends, Family, and Fun were enjoyed by all, as we rendezvoused at Andrew Jackson State Park, Feb 3, for Cabin Fever Dutch Oven Gathering, our first gathering of 2024. Some, who will remain unnamed, were so excited that they even arrived 3 or 4 days early to blaze our trail.
We sometimes have called this February event the âChili DOGâ however, even though temperatures may have touched the freezing point at night, we were blessed with blue cloudless skies, warm sun, and thermometers reporting in the high 60âs during the day.
On Thursday night numerous Pie Irons decorated the fire pit, filled with every possible stuffing from grilled cheese to BBQ, to pizza and calzones, Sloppy Joeâs, and of course some âsweetsâ. The only complaint I heard was âhurry up and quit cooking⊠and put more wood on the fireâ.
Friday nightâs âWeary Travelersâ dinner was a feast in itself as we gathered around the campfire again and gorged ourselves from tables lined with more Cast Iron Dutch Ovens that never emptiedâŠ.. and that was only a preview of the sweet and savory delights to follow the next day.
Saturday morning by 8:00am the wagons rolled to the shelter area where smoking camp kitchens sprung to life. Aromas of all sorts wafted on the crisp morning air as many breakfast specialties were prepared, sausage, biscuits, breakfast burritos, apple dumplings, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and breads. Too many selections to see or sample.
We attracted the attention of many park visitors wanting to know who we were and what we were doing. Several of them excitedly indicated they would be back. Snacks and appetizers continued to flow well into the early afternoon including special deliveries of Toasted Mozzarella Sticks and Seasoned Potato Wedges, hand-prepared by our next generation chefs, Kindle, and Jacob. A couple of hours later, 24 Black Pots filled the tables for the Dutch Oven Gathering. It goes without saying that it was impossible to try every dish, but I will say that no one left hungry for lack of food.
We finished the day with a group photo, packed our wares, said our goodbyes, and began to plan the Southeast Camper Spring Dutch Oven Gathering in April.
Until then, Happy Trails
Dan Ewing
Southeast Camper
Fall Draws Near
The long awaited beginning of fall draws near. The vacations of summer, with trips to the beach or favorite campgrounds for summer fun, are coming to a close as we prepare for the cooler months ahead. Over the summer, Southeast Camper folks have been busy with both DOGs and PuPs alike.
While we have our normally scheduled events posted for all to attend, you never know when a PUP will come together. A PuP, being a reference to an unofficial or mini DOG, Or, a spur of the moment gathering that âPoPsâ up.
Every now and then someone will suggest, coordinate and host such an event. Pick a campground, ask who is available or interested and you often are rewarded with an afternoon of good fun or even a weekend camp out among friends, old and new. Many chapters start this way and its just good fun. Not to mention an extra excuse to hang out with friends and be in the outdoors. You never know when something of this nature will become an annual event. So, go forth. Share a meal and a good time with good, like minded folks.
Earlier this year, a member of our group hosted such an impromptu event between the Spring and the Mile High DOG’s. A grand time was had by all who had the opportunity to attend. There is usually a similar event that takes place around the middle to end of August as well, between the Mile High and Fall DOGs.
Outside of our official calendar, there are opportunities to engage in events organized by other groups too. The two most common of these are a Shrimp Boil in the spring and another event in the Fall. Keep a lookout on our Facebook page for these types of events as well.
As this article reaches us, the scheduled 2017 DOGs have come to an end and we find ourselves fondly reflecting upon the memories of those events. As we were putting our Fall DOG behind us and began discussing plans for next year, it was apparent that the cooler weather had been eagerly anticipated, For the tone of recipes reflected this to follow our favorite flavors of the season. Perhaps this is why the Spring and Fall DOGs tend to be the most popular.
Come join us at one of our DOGs, a PuP or other event. And, Come join us on our Facebook page. You are always welcome.
Until then,
With warm thoughts and warm potsâŠ..
Randy Bowman
Southeast Camper